The Spl Part 1, The Top 6

[ericblack4boss]

1st-CELTIC- now that the neighbouring cheek is no more, we all know that thee green club should comforatble win the title, they may lose a couple , draw a few, but the end result will be the title staying at Parkhead.

 

2nd- HEARTS, despite losing Black, Beattie and probably Skacel, the Tynecastle side have enough to finish runners up, a good first team coach, it could be down to mad Vlad if he sticks with mcGlynn, and if he sees a potential champions league spot, he may throw some money at the squad. it could all go pear shaped as well though, they might even be next for the swanney, but if they continue as they have i think they will get second spot.

 

3rd, DUNDEE UTD, this was between united and Aberdeen and i have the arabs to nick it, they showed great consistency towards the end of last season , and taking into account thier dreadful start when Houstons position was in serious threat to finish where they did was a massive achievement, the squad despite losing Kenneth, Dixon, and Pernis, still has Mackay-Stevens, Russell, and top scorer Jon Daly, with the additon of Gardine i would expect United to comfortably be in the top 6, with European qualification.

 

4th ABERDEEN, ok so a big shout considering our last camapaign, but we should be looking for a top 4 spot the two clubs i have above us are definately beatable, but i would accept finsihing in top 5, we are solid at the back our keeper never has a save to make! and both arse cheeks struggled to break us down last term, with the addition of attacking flair McGinn, and Hayes to the squad and the undoubted goal threat of Vernon. we have to be a nore potent threat in front of goal, a midfield of Milsom, Osborne, Rae, Hughes, Jack, is as good as any other outside Celtic ( indeed if not better) , and despite the loss of Fyvie, Arnasson and because of the loss of Mackie we look to be a really decent side, and if we end up with either Reynolds or Naysmith they will be another improvement, real reson for optimism this term.

 

5th, MOTHERWELL, ok so they snatched second spot by default last term, but despite that showing i think we will see a far more stiffer test for them this term thye have only added one player to the squad, though they have kept Onama, i don't expect them to be in the relegation dog fight, but i reckon 5th place is the best they can hope for.

 

6th HIBERNIAN, despite last seasons disapointments i would expect a better showing from the Hibess this term, surely a club of thier stature has to be eyeing that second spot, ok so thye have some tough competition but i fi was a Hibs fan i would expect the club to go for it, Fenlon is a strange one, he appears to have some good contacts and can spot a decnt player, but can he handle pricks like Griffiths, without him Hibs have nothing up front, but on form he is almost unplayable. i'm goin to give Fenlon the benefit of the doubt here and tip the Leith side to get the last place in Jimmy Calderwoods elusive "top6".

[The Boofon]

1st-CELTIC- now that the neighbouring cheek is no more, we all know that thee green club should comforatble win the title, they may lose a couple , draw a few, but the end result will be the title staying at Parkhead.

 

2nd- HEARTS, despite losing Black, Beattie and probably Skacel, the Tynecastle side have enough to finish runners up, a good first team coach, it could be down to mad Vlad if he sticks with mcGlynn, and if he sees a potential champions league spot, he may throw some money at the squad. it could all go pear shaped as well though, they might even be next for the swanney, but if they continue as they have i think they will get second spot.

 

3rd, DUNDEE UTD, this was between united and Aberdeen and i have the arabs to nick it, they showed great consistency towards the end of last season , and taking into account thier dreadful start when Houstons position was in serious threat to finish where they did was a massive achievement, the squad despite losing Kenneth, Dixon, and Pernis, still has Mackay-Stevens, Russell, and top scorer Jon Daly, with the additon of Gardine i would expect United to comfortably be in the top 6, with European qualification.

 

4th ABERDEEN, ok so a big shout considering our last camapaign, but we should be looking for a top 4 spot the two clubs i have above us are definately beatable, but i would accept finsihing in top 5, we are solid at the back our keeper never has a save to make! and both arse cheeks struggled to break us down last term, with the addition of attacking flair McGinn, and Hayes to the squad and the undoubted goal threat of Vernon. we have to be a nore potent threat in front of goal, a midfield of Milsom, Osborne, Rae, Hughes, Jack, is as good as any other outside Celtic ( indeed if not better) , and despite the loss of Fyvie, Arnasson and because of the loss of Mackie we look to be a really decent side, and if we end up with either Reynolds or Naysmith they will be another improvement, real reson for optimism this term.

 

5th, MOTHERWELL, ok so they snatched second spot by default last term, but despite that showing i think we will see a far more stiffer test for them this term thye have only added one player to the squad, though they have kept Onama, i don't expect them to be in the relegation dog fight, but i reckon 5th place is the best they can hope for.

 

6th HIBERNIAN, despite last seasons disapointments i would expect a better showing from the Hibess this term, surely a club of thier stature has to be eyeing that second spot, ok so thye have some tough competition but i fi was a Hibs fan i would expect the club to go for it, Fenlon is a strange one, he appears to have some good contacts and can spot a decnt player, but can he handle pricks like Griffiths, without him Hibs have nothing up front, but on form he is almost unplayable. i'm goin to give Fenlon the benefit of the doubt here and tip the Leith side to get the last place in Jimmy Calderwoods elusive "top6".

 

He'd do well to see that. Only one slot next year.

 

Celtic

Aberdeen

Hearts

Motherwell

Dundee United

Ross County as my dark horses this year providing we don't bin Brown and get Adams in before the start of next season.

[Dynamo]

Replace Hibs with St J and I'd maybe agree. Not sure on Motherwell either though.

[Poodler]

Serious? 4th? I've got us on for 8th. I love the dons and I'll be there as much as work allows, about 15 games. But we're not seeing top6

[sheepiekev]

I think and am pretty confident we'll finish in the top 6.

We can write off first, that's a given.

We can finish anywhere between 2nd & 6th, it'll be pretty close for the places.

 

For waht it's worth I reckon;

 

1 - Celtic

2 - Dundee Utd

3 - Hearts

4 - Aberdeen

5 - Motherwell

6 - St Johnstone

 

Still think we might struggle to score goals. McGinn is a decent signing but he's not a striker IMO.

Still, the addition of him & Hayes should certainly make us better going forward.

[K-9]

Tough one with so many teams losing key players but will go with:

 

Celtic

Hearts

United

Motherwell

St Johnstone

Aberdeen (maybe)

[RTYD]

Tough one with so many teams losing key players but will go with:

 

Celtic

Hearts

United

Motherwell

St Johnstone

Aberdeen (maybe)

 

1 Aberdeen

 

The Rest

[Byrne Baby Byrne]

Woah man. That must make you a WINNER?

[RTYD]

Woah man. That must make you a WINNER?

 

 

No point in being negative.

[muttonhumper]

Celtic

Aberdeen

Hearts

Motherwell

Dundee United

Ross County as my dark horses this year providing we don't bin Brown and get Adams in before the start of next season.

This dude agrees with you. 9/1

 

Sporting life "expert"

 

I like the look of Aberdeen. Dons fans have had a torrid time of it recently - since finishing fourth in 2009 they've posted three successive 9th-placed finshes - but much better beckons this time.

 

Craig Brown is a hugely experienced manager and has made some good additions to his squad. Jonny Hayes has been a long-term target and will bring some much-needed creativity to the side as could Nial McGinn who has joined from Celtic.

 

Meanwhile former Scotland international Gary Naysmith will bring a wealth of experience to the squad.

 

If Aberdeen start the season well, the fans will back them in numbers. They must appreciate the fact that the Dons haven't used the Rangers situation as an excuse to save cash. They look as if they have pushed the boat out and are aiming to take that second spot.

 

I'd expect one or two more key signings and with Brown's organisational skills they are in with a real chance of finishing as 'best of the rest', so they are well worth a punt at a big-looking 9/1.

[GK55]

Top 6;

 

Celtic

Hearts

Aberdeen

Dundee United

Kilmarnock

Ross County

 

Relegated;

 

Hibs

[lethal707]

Celtic

Dundee United

Aberdeen

Hearts

Ross County

Motherwell

 

Reckon we could do alright but I've thought that at the beginning of every season and we've always under performed. This season will probably be no different. Hope I'm wroing though

[muttonhumper]

Quite an interesting list of comings and goings thus far in the SPL...

 

SPL ins and outs

 

Signings and departures from the 12 clubs in the Scottish Premier League during the summer transfer window.

 

 

Aberdeen

 

Ground : Pittodrie Stadium, Aberdeen

Manager : Craig Brown

Last season : 9th

In : Jonny Hayes, midfielder (Inverness CT); Niall McGinn, midfielder (Celtic); Gary Naysmith, defender (Huddersfield Town)

Out : Fraser Fyvie, midfielder (Wigan Athletic, undisclosed); Kari Arnason, midfielder (Rotherham United); Rory McArdle, defender (Bradford City); Michael Dunlop, defender (Forfar Athletic); Darren Mackie, forward; Youl Mawene, defender; Mohamad Chalali, forward; Yoan Folly, midfielder; Danny Uchechi, forward. End of loan - Mark Reynolds, defender (Sheffield Wednesday)

 

 

Celtic

 

Ground : Celtic Park, Glasgow

Manager : Neil Lennon

Last season : 1st

In : Fraser Forster, goalkeeper (Newcastle United, undisclosed after loan)

Out : Glenn Loovens, defender (Real Zaragoza); Cha Du Ri, defender (Fortuna Dusseldorf); Daniel Majstorovic, defender (AIK); Niall McGinn, midfielder (Aberdeen); Efrain Juarez, midfielder (Club America); Morten Rasmussen, forward (Midtjylland); Greig Spence, forward (Raith Rovers); Christian McKenna, forward (Airdrie United); Mark Wilson, defender; Darren O'Dea, defender; Richie Towell, defender; Dominic Cervi, goalkeeper

 

 

Dundee

 

Ground : Dens Park, Dundee

Manager : Barry Smith

Last season : Division One runners-up

In : Davide Grassi, defender (Brussels); Mark Stewart, forward (Bradford City); Declan Gallagher, defender (Clyde); Carl Finnigan, forward (St Johnstone, loan made permanent); Iain Davidson, midfielder (Raith Rovers); John Baird, forward (Raith Rovers)

Out : Rhys Weston, defender (KR Reykjavic); Mark Fotheringham, midfielder (1899 Hoffenheim II); John Gibson, goalkeeper (Elgin City, loan); Jake Hyde, forward; Graham Bayne, forward; Craig McKeown, defender; Ross Chisholm, midfielder

 

 

Dundee United

 

Ground : Tannadice Park, Dundee

Manager : Peter Houston

Last season : 4th

In : Michael Gardyne, forward (Ross County); Mark Millar, midfielder (Falkirk); Brian McLean, defender (Preston North End); Radoslaw Cierzniak, goalkeeper (Cracovia)

Out : Danny Swanson, midfielder (Peterborough United); Scott Robertson, midfielder (Blackpool); Paul Dixon, defender (Huddersfield Town); Garry Kenneth, defender (Bristol Rovers); Ross Smith, defender (Peterhead, loan); Dusan Pernis, goalkeeper

 

 

Hearts

 

Ground : Tynecastle Stadium, Edinburgh

Manager : John McGlynn (Raith Rovers)

Last season : 5th

In : None

Out : Ian Black, midfielder (Rangers); Suso Santana, midfielder (Tenerife); Adrian Mrowiec, midfielder (Leipzig); Stephen Elliott, forward (Coventry City); Gary Glen, forward (Ross County); Jordan Morton, midfielder (Livingston); Jason Thomson, defender (Raith Rovers, loan made permanent); Chris Kane, midfielder (Dunfermline Athletic); Gary Graham, forward (Clyde); Rudi Skacel, midfielder; Craig Beattie, forward; Marian Kello, goalkeeper; David Obua, midfielder; Aaron Murdoch, midfielder; Chris Tobin, midfielder; Ryan Stewart, midfielder; Colin Hamilton, defender; Matthew Park, defender

 

 

Hibernian

 

Ground : Easter Road Stadium, Leith

Manager : Pat Fenlon

Last season : 11th

In : Tim Clancy, defender (Motherwell); James McPake, defender (Coventry City, undisclosed after loan made permanent); Paul Cairney, midfielder (Partick Thistle); Ben Williams, goalkeeper (Colchester United). Loan extension - Leigh Griffiths, forward (Wolves)

Out : Garry O'Connor, forward (Tom Tomsk); Isaiah Osbourne, midfielder (Blackpool, undisclosed); Martin Scott, midfielder (Ross County, loan); Scott Taggart, midfielder (Morton); Sean Welsh, midfielder (Partick Thistle); David Crawford, midfielder (Brechin City); Ian Murray, midfielder; Mark Brown, goalkeeper

 

 

Inverness Caledonian Thistle

 

Ground : Caledonian Stadium, Inverness

Manager : Terry Butcher

Last season : 10th

In : Gary Warren, defender (Newport County); Antonio Reguero, goalkeeper (Gandia); Jason Oswell, forward (Crewe Alexandra); David Raven, defender (Tranmere Rovers); Ross Draper, midfielder (Macclesfield Town); Conor Pepper, midfielder (St Patrick's Athletic); Simon King, defender (Gillingham)

Out : Jonny Hayes, midfielder (Aberdeen); Gregory Tade, forward (St Johnstone); Ross Tokely, defender (Ross County); Jonny Tuffey, goalkeeper (St Johnstone); Kenny Gillet, defender (Larnaca); Greg Tansey, midfielder (Stevenage); Thomas Piermayr, defender; David Proctor, defender. Loan ends - Roman Golobart, defender (Wigan Athletic), Steve Williams, midfielder (Bradford City), Sam Winnall, forward (Wolves)

 

 

Kilmarnock

 

Ground : Rugby Park, Kilmarnock

Manager : Kenny Shiels

Last season : 7th

In : Jeroen Tesselaar, defender (St Mirren); Rory Boulding, forward (Livingston)

Out : Dean Shiels, midfielder (Rangers); David Silva, midfielder (Olhanense); Danny Buijs, midfielder (Sparta Rotterdam); Nic Rajovic, goalkeeper (Clyde); Greig Thorburn, defender (Annan Athletic); Dieter Van Tornhout, forward; Zdenek Kroca, defender; Jonathan Stynes, midfielder; Ross Lindsay, midfielder; Andy Rankin, defender. Loan ends - Ben Gordon, defender (Chelsea); Mahamadou Sissoko, defender (Udinese); Lewis Toshney, defender (Celtic)

 

 

Motherwell

 

Ground : Fir Park, Motherwell

Manager : Stuart McCall

Last season : 3rd

In : Simon Ramsden, defender (Bradford City)

Out : Tim Clancy, defender (Hibernian); Stephen Craigan, defender (retired); Steven Lawless, midfielder (Partick Thistle); Jordan Halsman, midfielder (Morton); Darren Brownlie, defender (Ayr United); Keiran McGachie, forward (Annan Athletic); Ross Forbes, midfielder; Ross McKinnon, defender; Jamie Pollock, midfielder; Gary Smith, forward; Herman Mboa Megongo, midfielder; Michael Lynch, defender; Keiran MacDonald, midfielder; Tom Bradley

 

 

Ross County

 

Ground : Victoria Park, Dingwall

Manager : Derek Adams

Last season : First Division champions

In : Ross Tokely, defender (Inverness Caledonian Thistle); Gary Glen, forward (Hearts); Martin Scott, midfielder (Hibernian, loan), Mihael Kovacevic, defender (Zadar); Jon Bateson, defender (Macclesfield Town)

Out : Michael Gardyne, forward (Dundee United); Gary Miller, defender (St Johnstone); Johnny Flynn, forward (Falkirk)

 

 

St Johnstone

 

Ground : McDiarmid Park, Perth

Manager : Steve Lomas

Last season : 6th

In : Rowan Vine, forward (Queens Park Rangers); Tam Scobbie, defender (Falkirk); Gary Miller, defender (Ross County); Nigel Hasselbaink, forward (St Mirren); Gregory Tade, forward (Inverness Caledonian Thistle); Jonny Tuffey, goalkeeper (Inverness Caledonian Thistle); Patrick Cregg, midfielder (Bury)

Out : Jody Morris, midfielder (Bristol City); Carl Finnigan, forward (Dundee, loan made permanent); Jack Compton, midfielder (Falkirk); Marcus Haber, forward (Stevenage); Michael Hart, defender (Airdrie United); Mark Durnan, defender (Queen of the South); Derek Riordan, forward; Francisco Sandaza, forward; Alan Maybury, defender; Peter Enckelman, goalkeeper. Loan ended - Cillian Sheridan, forward (CSKA Sofia); Lee Croft, midfielder (Derby County); Kudus Oyenuga, forward (Tottenham Hotspur); Willie Gibson, midfielder (Crawley Town); James Keatings, forward (Celtic)

 

 

St Mirren

 

Ground : St Mirren Park, Paisley

Manager : Danny Lennon

Last season : 8th

In : Grant Adam, goalkeeper (Rangers); Jon Robertson, midfielder (Cowdenbeath); Sam Parkin, forward (Queen of the South); Lewis Guy, forward (MK Dons);

Out : Jeroen Tesselaar, defender (Kilmarnock); Nigel Hasselbaink, forward (St Johnstone); Hugh Murray, midfielder (Partick Thistle); Steven Thomson, midfielder (Dover Athletic); Aaron Mooy, midfielder (Western Sydney Wanderers); Jon McShane, forward (Hamilton Academical, undisclosed); Graeme Smith, goalkeeper; Frankie Owens, midfielder; David McAlinden, midfielder; Hashim Cole, defender; Ross Meechan, defender; Dominic Kennedy, defender; Adam McHugh, goalkeeper; Michael McKinven, goalkeeper; Kieran Wood, midfielder. On loan - Jason Naismith, defender (Morton)

[fine-n-dandy]

Quite an interesting list of comings and goings thus far in the SPL...

 

SPL ins and outs

 

 

Dundee

 

Ground : Dens Park, Dundee

Manager : Barry Smith

Last season : Division One runners-up

In : Davide Grassi, defender (Brussels); Mark Stewart, forward (Bradford City); Declan Gallagher, defender (Clyde); Carl Finnigan, forward (St Johnstone, loan made permanent); Iain Davidson, midfielder (Raith Rovers); John Baird, forward (Raith Rovers)

Out : Rhys Weston, defender (KR Reykjavic); Mark Fotheringham, midfielder (1899 Hoffenheim II); John Gibson, goalkeeper (Elgin City, loan); Jake Hyde, forward; Graham Bayne, forward; Craig McKeown, defender; Ross Chisholm, midfielder

 

 

 

 

Dundee have signed Grassi?

Same Grassi we had?

[dazzy_deff]

Dundee have signed Grassi?

Same Grassi we had?

Yip, paperwork finalised today.

[ebbe]

we should be aiming for second. i'm also definately looking at having a punt on st johnstone to finish in the top 4. they won't be far away.

[fine-n-dandy]

Skacel still without a club, he'd be a great signing.

 

 

Maybe the club he's without would be interested in swapping him for Chris Clark

[fine-n-dandy]

Hell if we could push the boat out & sign Skacel, Reynolds & a decent striker, then I'd be confident we'd have a squad capable of pushing celtic ALL the way. That's all it would take really imo, just a little more ambition & we'd be there.